SINGAPORE
has decided to move to China at least part of the military training facilities
it has had in Taiwan for more than two decades, a source close to the military
and a lawmaker said Sunday, September 22.

The issue was raised during a visit to the island last
week by Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the source said.

"The Ministry of National Defense was unhappy with
the decision that Singapore is to move its training bases to China's Hainan
Island," he said.

"But we are still not sure if they want a partial
pullout, a downgrade of the program, or a scrapping of the entire one,"
he said.

Under a military cooperative program known as "Operation
Hsing Kuang" (Starlight), Singapore has operated three military training
camps in Taiwan since 1975.

Singapore recognises China but maintains close links with
Taiwan which Beijing regards as part of its territory awaiting reunification.